Central Library makes Time magazine's list of World's 100 Greatest Places of 2019
Magazine notes natural light, cedar walls, curved facade meant to evoke Chinook arches
One of Calgary's newest public buildings is already being declared an icon, as Time magazine has added the new Central Library to its 2019 list of the World's 100 Greatest Places.
The magazine gives credit to Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta, and makes note of the beautiful materials and esthetic, noting it is "flooded with natural light and features several esthetic odes to its native land: walls made of cedar from nearby British Columbia, a curved facade meant to evoke cloud arches formed by the region's Chinook winds."
The Central Library staff shared its excitement on Twitter.
The Central Library has been named one of <a href="https://twitter.com/TIME?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TIME</a> Magazine's 100 Greatest Places of 2019! This list showcases 100 destinations around the world that are "breaking new ground, leading industry trends and offering visitors an extraordinary experience." <a href="https://t.co/VAkPfAbeLM">https://t.co/VAkPfAbeLM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yyc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yyc</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ti7Hpb7HyZ">pic.twitter.com/Ti7Hpb7HyZ</a>
—@calgarylibraryCalgary's Central Library has already received kudos from Architectural Digest, which named it one of the most futuristic new libraries in the world, and Azure magazine, which called it the best "civic landmark" built in 2018.
The library was built at a cost of $245 million and opened in late 2018.
But it has also faced criticism — not over its looks, but over its functionality, with questions raised about the awkward main steps and the fact that it's not easily accessible from the street.
But few have criticized its interior, which features an oval design, curved wood accents and abundant natural light.
Time also noted the library's role as an educational centre — "offering learning labs, residency programs and even a digital production studio built for podcasters and YouTubers."